We breakfasted again at the bagel place; a few new faces this morning while other family members from yesterday didn’t make it. Bob surfed some and it was better than yesterday. The weather wasn’t as nice for me since clouds and drizzle had moved in with the larger waves. I only took a short walk at the ocean’s edge because the tide was high and the rain discouraging.Shortly after noon everyone who had converged on Seaside for the memorial service came together at Grandma’s house, which Grandpa now lives in alone. He is still so quiet and hasn’t gotten at all used to having his wife of 50 years gone from his life. I feel the most sadness for him.We ate sandwiches and various finger foods, visited, played cards, and chatted. As evening closed in we all gathered around in the spacious living room and starting pouring through boxes of old family photos and perusing albums that Grandma Jackie had kept in meticulous order. They covered the time from her childhood onward. What a history lesson in these images.  It took several hours to get through so many pictures. I found it interesting that Bob’s brother in-law and I (not the blood relatives) spent the most time with these memory keepers. Of course he and I were mostly interested in the photos of our respective partners. What a trip taking a peek into their lives prior to our becoming part of the family. Bob was the most adorable kid. From little boy to teenager he was cute as a button with his pug nose, sparkling blue eyes, and the shaggy white-blond hair of a Southern California surfer.

 

Before leaving we posed to take pictures of the family, more memories for the futre. After the serious pictures this goofball family capped the memorial service with the taking of silly pictures and lots of laughter…I’m sure Grandma Jackie was chuckling along with us. We parted ways shortly after 9 PM and vowed to get together again soon, with promises not to wait for a death in the family to reunite us.